Written Answers Thursday 15 November 2007

Scottish Executive

2014 Commonwealth Games

Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, following the outcome of the 2014 Commonwealth Games decision, what commitments it will give to the city of Glasgow that it will continue plans for regeneration through infrastructure investment and sport to tackle deprivation, particularly in the east end.

Stewart Maxwell: The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have great potential to act as a catalyst for regeneration, particularly in the East End of Glasgow. The athletes’ village, National Indoor Sports Arena and Velodrome will be constructed in Dalmarnock, in the heart of the Clyde Gateway, creating an on-going infrastructure legacy for the area. Following the Games, the village will be made available for a mix of social and private housing.

  The national sports strategy, Reaching Higher, stresses the need to identify categories of non-participants and develop and target policies which will stimulate interest, develop locally responsive opportunities and support the development of clubs particularly within communities where none exist. It is the responsibility of Glasgow City Council to take this work forward.

Adoption

Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how much each local authority charges prospective adopters for pursuing an international adoption application.

Adam Ingram: Prospective international adopters are required to be assessed by a registered adoption service prior to bringing a child into the United Kingdom for the purpose of adoption. As registered adoption services, local authorities can provide this service and can charge prospective adopters the costs associated with this assessment. The Scottish Government does not hold information on how much each local authority charges for this service as it is a matter for the local authorities themselves to decide.

Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in relation to the proposed ragwort welfare code under sections 37 and 38 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Richard Lochhead: My officials are finalising draft animal welfare guidance on how to prevent the spread of ragwort. This will be issued for a 12 week consultation period in January 2008. After the consultation responses have been considered final guidance will be issued under section 38 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Apprenticeships

John Park (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many public sector modern apprenticeships have been created in (a) the Executive, (b) local authorities and (c) Executive agencies in each of the last five years.

Maureen Watt: This information is not held centrally. The total number of Modern Apprenticeships in the public sector is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

  In October 2001, the Scottish Government launched its Modern Apprenticeship Programme in Business Administration, offering as a minimum two units of the level 2 SVQ. Since the launch of the programme, 84 staff have gained a nationally recognised qualification through participation in the programme.

Class Sizes

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what advice has been given to local authorities regarding proposed school closures and the policy of reducing class sizes to 18 in primary 1 to primary 3.

Maureen Watt: We re-issued guidance to local authorities on proposals for changes to the school estate on 11 October 2007. A copy is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 43920). The guidance makes clear our expectation that, in considering such proposals, authorities should take account of all relevant factors, aspects and policies.

Class Sizes

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of the £40 million capital funding for reducing class sizes in primary 1 to primary 3 has been paid to schools in areas of multiple deprivation.

Maureen Watt: This funding was allocated to local authorities rather than to specific schools. The allocation was explained in a letter to local authorities of 10 July 2007, a copy of which is available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 43795). Within the amounts allocated, the detail of proposed investment in specific schools or specific areas is entirely a matter for each local authority to determine.

Culture

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to increase support for Scottish music, poetry and painting.

Linda Fabiani: Funding for the arts in Scotland is disbursed by the Scottish Arts Council. Once I have set the initial budget it is for the Scottish Arts Council to determine how that should be allocated amongst the different art forms. The Scottish Arts Council will plan its budgets for 2008-09 once its grant is confirmed post the announcement of the government’s spending review plans. It is not therefore possible at this stage for it to give a definitive answer on its programme for next year.

Defence

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-5391 by Bruce Crawford on 7 November 2007, which of the invitees listed attended the A National Conversation – Scotland’s Future without Nuclear Weapons conference.

Bruce Crawford: The list of those who attended the conference is as follows:

  

 Mungo Bovey 
 QC


 Stephen Boyd
 STUCK


 Shaun Burnie
 Independent consultant


 Adam Conway
 Nukewatch


 Bruce Crawford
 Minister for Parliamentary Business


 Roseanna Cunningham 
 MSP


 Rob Edwards
 Environmental Editor, Sunday Herald


 Linda Fabiani
 Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture 


 Janet Fenton
 Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre


 Rev Kath Galloway
 Iona Community


 Patrick Harvie
 MSP


 Gerard Hughes
 Jesuit Community


 Dr Rebecca Johnson
 Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy


 Isobel Lindsay
 Scotland’s for Peace


 John Mayer
 Advocate


 The Very Rev Dr Alan McDonald
 Church of Scotland


 Alan McKinnon
 Scottish CND


 Anthony Moulds
 Scottish Government


 John Mowat
 KIMO Secretariat


 Morag Mylne
 Church of Scotland


 Lesley Riddoch
 Television/radio broadcaster


 Cllr James Robb
 Argyll and Bute Council


 Angus Robertson
 MP


 Pete Roche
 Greenpeace


 Osama Saeed
 Muslim Council for Scotland


 Gillian Slider
 Scottish Youth Parliament


 Matt Smith
 UNISON


 Neil Smith
 Ministry of Defence


 Nicola Sturgeon
 Deputy First Minister


 Jane Tallents
 Faslane 365


 Rev Ainslie Walton
 Church of Scotland


 Sandra White
 MSP


 Dr Helen Zealey
 Friends of the Earth


 Angie Zelter
 Trident Ploughshares

Energy

Jack McConnell (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has held any discussions with energy companies regarding customers being charged higher prices as they cannot afford to pay their bills by direct debit and are unable to take advantage of preferential pricing schemes and, if so, what progress has been made on this issue.

Stewart Maxwell: I have written to each of the three main energy companies which operate in Scotland; Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy and British Gas, inviting them to meet with me as soon as possible to discuss fuel poverty and the action that they are taking to help their most vulnerable customers heat their homes affordably. I intend to raise this issue with the companies when we meet along with a range of other important issues including back-charging for pre-payment meters and the provision of social tariffs.

Environment

Mike Pringle (Edinburgh South) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action has been taken to ensure that the volume of hen manure deposited by the planned free-range egg enterprise at Blythbank, set to be the largest in Europe, will not contaminate the water supply of the Edinburgh South parliamentary constituency via the Talla Main aqueduct which runs under the proposed site.

Michael Russell: The security of public water supplies is a matter for Scottish Water and its response to the planning application for the free-range egg enterprise was made to Scottish Borders Council on 25 January 2007. This is a matter of public record. In its response, Scottish Water highlighted areas of concern and requested that the developers contact Scottish Water to discuss their plans in detail. Specifically, the developers were asked to provide details of their proposals for protecting the Talla aqueduct for Scottish Water’s approval. The developer was also asked for a detailed risk assessment addressing issues of potential contamination for Scottish Water’s review. I cannot comment further on the planning application as it may come before Scottish ministers in due course and I would not wish to fetter ministers’ discretion.

Environment

Bob Doris (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what support it gives to environmental initiatives in Glasgow.

Michael Russell: The Scottish Government supports a range of environmental initiatives in Glasgow, including those to address contaminated land, waste management and recycling, urban woodland management, community engagement and sustainable development projects. Furthermore, in the eight years to 2010, Scottish Water’s total planned investment in Glasgow will amount to almost £300 million.

  Local authorities have a crucial role in advancing the Scottish Government’s Greener objective through environmental initiatives in their areas, and the Spending Review settlement will further enhance their capacity to do so.

Equal Opportunities

Elaine Smith (Coatbridge and Chryston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in the exercise of its responsibilities for equal opportunities, it has taken account of any harm done to women as a result of extreme pornography.

Nicola Sturgeon: The gender equality duty, which came into force in April 2007, requires the Scottish Government to demonstrate how it is promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating unlawful discrimination and harassment. As part of a suite of measures to implement this duty (i.e. to promote equality of opportunity between women and men), our approach to extreme pornography was set out as part of the Scottish Government’s Gender Equality Scheme which contains an action on extreme pornography, it states:

  "There is significant public disapproval of extreme pornographic images and mixed evidence about links between viewing images and subsequent criminal action. There are also concerns about harm to those involved in the making of pornography (predominantly women) and impacts of pornography on attitudes to women. This is an area that we believe merits further exploration. We have consulted on new law to prohibit extreme pornographic images, and will now work to implement the outcome of the consultation"

  The publication, sale or distribution of obscene material in Scotland is an offence under section 51 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. The Scottish Government is currently considering proposals to create a Scottish offence of possession of extreme pornographic material in the light of the joint consultation undertaken with the Home Office in 2005.

European Union

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what communications there have been between ministers and EU commissioners since May 2007 and on what subjects.

Linda Fabiani: The Scottish Government has engaged in communications and had many meetings with the EU since May 2007. The First Minister met European Commissioners Borg (Fisheries and Maritime Affairs), Grybauskaite (Budget), Mandelson (Trade) and McCreevy (Internal Market and Services) when visiting Brussels on 11 July. He discussed a range of Scottish interests in relation to each of the Commissioners portfolios.

  He also met with Commissioner Piebalgs (Energy) in Edinburgh on 19 July where carbon capture and storage projects, renewable energy targets and other energy issues were discussed. The First Minister followed up this meeting by writing to Commissioner Piebalgs on energy issues.

  The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning and I met with Commissioner Figel (Education) on 28 June where we discussed higher education issues, the European Institute of technology and the Erasmus programme.

  The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment has written to Commissioner Borg twice, at the time of his appointment as Cabinet Secretary and in advance of Commissioner Borg’s visit to Aberdeen in June.

  Ministers have also met EU Commissioners during Council of Ministers meetings in Brussels.

  There has also been contact between the Scottish Government and Commissioners through written responses to Commission communications, such as the Commission consultation on its Green Paper on Maritime Policy.

First Minister

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whom the First Minister met on his recent visit to the United States of America and what devolved matters were discussed in each case.

Linda Fabiani: I refer the member to the Report of the First Minister’s Official Visit to the United States from 10-12 October 2007 laid in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 43943) on Tuesday 30 October 2007.

First Minister

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what overseas official visits are planned for the First Minister in the next six months.

Linda Fabiani: The First Minister is considering options for overseas travel and we will make announcements about visits at the appropriate time.

Fisheries

Elaine Murray (Dumfries) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when the decision was taken not to award Young’s Seafood a grant of £426,000, intended for the development of deshelling machines for its site in Annan and applied for under the Fish Processing and Marketing Scheme.

Richard Lochhead: The decision to award a grant of £426,000 was made in January 2006. However, Young’s withdrew their application for grant support following the fire at the Annan facility in March 2007.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how much was paid to Scottish businesses other than farmers and crofters by the (a) Executive and (b) UK Government as a result of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001 and what proportion of this was compensation for economic losses.

Richard Lochhead: A breakdown of figures is not available but the UK Government did pay Scottish businesses, for example hauliers, vets and valuers, for their work in relation to the 2001 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. No compensation was paid to businesses for economic losses and no payments were made by the then Scottish Executive.

Health

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, if the proposed development of Bishopton Royal Ordnance Factory proceeds, when procedures will be put in place to monitor the health of the population of Bishopton potentially affected by such development.

Shona Robison: The Public Health Department of Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board is aware of the local concerns regarding the redevelopment of this site and, in consultation with the Environmental Health Department of Renfrewshire Council, has reviewed available statistics on the current health status of the local population. The statistics gave no indication of an increased health risk for those living closer to the Royal Ordnance Site. The health board, in consultation with Health Protection Scotland, will look carefully at any agreed new development for this site, and will consider the need for further public health surveillance provisions.

Health

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, if the proposed development of Bishopton Royal Ordnance Factory proceeds and the health of the Bishopton population is to be monitored during the consequent transfer of toxic materials, what baseline data will be gathered to enable such monitoring and when these data will be collected.

Shona Robison: The Public Health Department of Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board has already reviewed data on the current health status of the local population, including mortality statistics and cancer registrations. The statistics gave no indication of an increased health risk for those living closer to the Royal Ordnance Site. The health board is confident that these data provide a robust baseline for any future public health surveillance that might be initiated in response to developments at this site.

Health

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, if the proposed development of Bishopton Royal Ordnance Factory proceeds, what guarantees it can give that there will be regular health checks of the incidence of illness in the population of Bishopton to ensure that no specific problems go undetected.

Shona Robison: Responsibility for public health in this area lies jointly with Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board and Renfrewshire Council. The Public Health Department of Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board has already reviewed data on the current health status of those living close to the Royal Ordnance Site, and will assess the need for further local health surveillance when development plans for this site have been finalised.

Health

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, if the proposed development of Bishopton Royal Ordnance Factory proceeds, what extra measures will be put in place on site to ensure that the health of the population of Bishopton will be completely protected, given that the proposed landraise facility will be open to the elements for the 15 to 20-year duration of the development.

Shona Robison: The Public Health Department of Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board is aware of the concerns of those living near the Royal Ordnance Site, and will assess the need for specific local health protection measures if and when the proposed landfill facility is granted planning permission.

  The Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003 provide that waste may be accepted at landfill only if it meets the criteria in Schedule 2. These include the requirements that waste be accepted only if its acceptance would not compromise the protection of the surrounding environment and human health.

Health

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive who will be held legally responsible for any health problems arising as a result of the construction or the operation of the landfill site at Bishopton if any link is established in future between the construction or operation of landfill sites and health problems in those living in proximity to such sites.

Shona Robison: Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a legal duty on every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons who may be affected by it are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety. This duty will therefore fall to those employers that are involved in any future construction or operations at this site.

Health

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that further research into an association between the incidence of congenital defects and proximity to landfill sites should be undertaken and, if so, what steps it will take to promote such research, in light of a significant association found by the Nant-Y-Gwyddon study (Fielder et al 1997) and the Eurohazcon Study (Dolk et al 1998).

Shona Robison: Since the publication of these studies ,  the UK Government has commissioned the Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) at Imperial College to carry out a national study of congenital anomalies in populations living near to landfill sites (Elliott et al, British Medical Journal 2001; 323: 363-8).

  This study found a small increase in congenital anomalies in populations living close to landfill sites but no causal link between landfill sites and birth defects was established. In fact, for babies born to mothers living within 2km of a landfill site in Scotland, the overall reported rate of congenital anomalies was 6 per cent lower near landfills. The independent expert Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) reviewed the findings and advised that, given the various inconsistencies, it is inappropriate to draw firm conclusions from the results. The SAHSU subsequently specifically analysed the data on birth outcomes in populations living near "special waste" landfill sites in Scotland, and published their findings under the title No excess risk of adverse birth outcomes in populations living near special waste landfill sites in Scotland (Morris et al, Scottish Medical Journal 2003; 48: 105-107).

  The Scottish Government Health Directorates have no plans to commission further studies in this area.

Housing

Cathie Craigie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take action to raise the level of home loss payments for those affected by transport schemes.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government will consider whether the Home Loss Payments scheme can be improved in general terms. Any approach to compensation for loss of a home should take account of distress caused and the wider context of prioritisation of resources in Scotland.

Influenza

Jamie Hepburn (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive in how many deaths influenza was identified as a cause in (a) 1950, (b) 1960, (c) 1970 and (d) 1980 and how many such deaths there have been in each year since 1990.

Shona Robison: Deaths to influenza are likely to be under reported when simply looking at the number of cases where "influenza" is recorded on death certificates as more people will normally die from complications arising as a result of influenza rather than simply flu itself. However, information recorded by the General Register Office for Scotland where cause of death was recorded as "Influenza" is detailed in the following table.

  Deaths in Scotland: Influenza as the Underlying Cause of Death

  

 Year
 Deaths


 1950
 386


 1960
 104


 1970
 733


 1980
 117


 1990
 126


 1991
 28


 1992
 29


 1993
 127


 1994
 11


 1995
 33


 1996
 45


 1997
 83


 1998
 12


 1999
 62


 2000
 131


 2001
 5


 2002
 6


 2003
 15


 2004
 3


 2005
 11


 2006
 2

Legal Aid

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many solicitors’ practices in each parliamentary region or postcode area undertook legal aid work that received fee payments (excluding VAT) from the Scottish Legal Aid Board for (a) criminal and (b) civil legal aid of (i) less than £25,000, (ii) from £25,000 to £50,000, (iii) from £50,000 to £75,000, (iv) from £75,000 to £100,000 and (v) more than £100,000 in 2006-07.

Kenny MacAskill: The following tables give details of the fees paid to solicitors’ firms between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 for civil legal aid, criminal legal aid, and children’s legal aid. A further table shows the firms with all fees combined. All fee payments are excluding VAT and include solicitor and solicitor-advocate fees paid to the firm.

  Royal Mail postal areas have been used to illustrate regionality of earnings and an explanation of the codes is given below. For firms with multiple branches, the postal area of the main branch of the firm handling payments has been used although such firms will in reality generate their fees across their branch network which may span more than one postal area. It is not possible to apportion fees amongst specific branches in a multi-branch firm.

  Firms may appear in different columns in different tables. Hence the figures in the three individual tables do not always sum to the figures in the overall table. Firms which appear in a lower banding in the individual tables may end up in a higher banding overall when their fees are combined.

  Table 1. Civil Legal Aid Fees Paid to Solicitors’ Firms Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 by Postcode Area

  

 Postal Area
 Less than £25,000
£25,000 to £50,000
£50,000 to £75,000
£75,000 to £100,000
Over £100,000
 Grand Total


 AB
 47
 9
 2
 0
 3
 61


 DD
 17
 6
 3
 2
 8
 36


 DG
 18
 5
 1
 0
 1
 25


 EH
 65
 13
 4
 3
 16
 101


 FK
 16
 7
 5
 2
 2
 32


 G
 149
 30
 23
 5
 21
 228


 HS
 3
 0
 0
 0
 0
 3


 IV
 26
 6
 3
 0
 1
 36


 KA
 33
 11
 6
 1
 3
 54


 KW
 8
 1
 0
 0
 0
 9


 KY
 25
 6
 10
 2
 3
 46


 ML
 36
 11
 4
 1
 7
 59


 PA
 29
 12
 4
 2
 4
 51


 PH
 9
 5
 4
 2
 1
 21


 TD
 9
 2
 1
 1
 0
 13


 ZE
 3
 0
 0
 0
 0
 3


 Grand Total
 493
 124
 70
 21
 70
 778



  Notes to table 1:

  1.1 A number of firms, especially in the Edinburgh area, act as agents at the Court of Session for other firms based around the country. These Edinburgh agents’ fees are paid as outlays in the nominated solicitors’ accounts. Their fees are not included in the table above.

  1.2 Civil fees include fees paid for Civil Legal Advice and Assistance work and Civil Legal Aid work.

  Table 2. Criminal Legal Aid Fees Paid To Solicitors’ Firms Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 by Postcode Area

  

 Postal Area
 Less than £25,000
£25,000 to £50,000
£50,000 to £75,000
£75,000 to £100,000
Over £100,000
 Grand Total


 AB
 25
 3
 2
 4
 13
 47


 DD
 11
 1
 0
 2
 17
 31


 DG
 14
 2
 1
 1
 5
 23


 EH
 27
 6
 5
 4
 25
 67


 FK
 16
 4
 5
 0
 9
 34


 G
 93
 19
 16
 8
 80
 216


 HS
 2
 0
 1
 0
 0
 3


 IV
 17
 3
 3
 1
 7
 31


 KA
 19
 5
 8
 1
 13
 46


 KW
 3
 1
 0
 0
 0
 4


 KY
 16
 4
 6
 4
 7
 37


 ML
 28
 7
 2
 3
 21
 61


 PA
 21
 5
 7
 2
 10
 45


 PH
 8
 2
 1
 2
 3
 16


 TD
 7
 2
 1
 0
 1
 11


 ZE
 1
 0
 1
 0
 0
 2


 Grand Total
 308
 64
 59
 32
 211
 674



  Notes to table 2:

  2.1 Criminal payments include payments for Contempt of Court, Duty and Appeals work.

  2.2 Criminal fees include fees paid for criminal legal advice and assistance work and for children’s legal advice and assistance work. Historically, children’s and criminal advice and assistance were included on the same accounting code. They have now been separated and from 2007-08 onwards payments for these two activities will be able to be distinguished separately.

  2.3 Fees for Children’s Legal Aid work are shown separately in the following table

  Table 3. Children’s Legal Aid Fees Paid to Solicitors’ Firms Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 by Postcode Area

  

 Postal Area
 Less than £25,000
£25,000 to £50,000
£50,000 to £75,000
£75,000 to £100,000
Over £100,000
 Grand Total


 AB
 15
 0
 0
 0
 0
 15


 DD
 23
 0
 0
 0
 0
 23


 DG
 11
 0
 0
 0
 0
 11


 EH
 30
 1
 1
 0
 0
 32


 FK
 18
 0
 0
 0
 0
 18


 G
 107
 6
 5
 3
 1
 122


 HS
 3
 0
 0
 0
 0
 3


 IV
 14
 0
 0
 0
 0
 14


 KA
 29
 1
 0
 0
 0
 30


 KW
 2
 0
 0
 0
 0
 2


 KY
 21
 0
 0
 0
 0
 21


 ML
 35
 1
 0
 0
 0
 36


 PA
 33
 0
 0
 0
 0
 33


 PH
 8
 0
 0
 0
 0
 8


 TD
 2
 0
 0
 0
 0
 2


 Grand Total
 351
 9
 6
 3
 1
 370



  Table 4. All Legal Aid Fees Paid to Solicitors’ Firms Between 1 April 2006 and 31 March 2007 by Postcode Area

  

 Postal Area
 Less than £25,000
£25,000 to £50,000
£50,000 to £75,000
£75,000 to £100,000
Over £100,000
 Grand Total


 AB
 38
 8
 3
 3
 17
 69


 DD
 10
 4
 1
 1
 21
 37


 DG
 12
 6
 3
 1
 5
 27


 EH
 51
 15
 8
 6
 37
 117


 FK
 7
 10
 7
 4
 9
 37


 G
 107
 33
 27
 14
 102
 283


 HS
 0
 2
 1
 0
 0
 3


 IV
 21
 5
 6
 4
 8
 44


 KA
 18
 6
 9
 4
 19
 56


 KW
 6
 3
 0
 0
 0
 9


 KY
 18
 7
 2
 4
 17
 48


 ML
 19
 13
 6
 3
 28
 69


 PA
 16
 13
 9
 3
 14
 55


 PH
 9
 3
 1
 2
 7
 22


 TD
 7
 3
 1
 0
 2
 13


 ZE
 3
 0
 1
 0
 0
 4


 Grand Total
 342
 131
 85
 49
 286
 893



  The postal areas referred to in tables 1 to 4 are as follows:

  

 Code
 Postal Towns


 AB
 Aberdeen, Aberlour, Aboyne, Alford, Ballater, Ballindalloch, Banchory, Banff, Buckie, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Insch, Inverurie, Keith, Laurencekirk, Macduff, Milltimber, Peterculter, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Strathdon, Turriff, Westhill



 DD
 Arbroath, Brechin, Carnoustie, Dundee, Forfar, Kirriemuir, Montrose, Newport-On-Tay, Tayport



 DG
 Annan, Canonbie, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Dumfries, Gretna, Kirkcudbright, Langholm, Lockerbie, Moffat, Newton Stewart, Sanquhar, Stranraer, Thornhill



 EH
 Balerno, Bathgate, Bo’ness, Bonnyrigg, Broxburn, Currie, Dalkeith, Dunbar, East Linton, Edinburgh, Gorebridge, Gullane, Haddington, Heriot, Humbie, Innerleithen, Juniper Green, Kirkliston, Kirknewton, Lasswade, Linlithgow, Livingston, Loanhead, Longniddry, Musselburgh, Newbridge, North Berwick, Pathhead, Peebles, Penicuik, Prestonpans, Rosewell, Roslin, South Queensferry, Tranent, Walkerburn, West Calder, West Linton



 FK
 Alloa, Alva, Bonnybridge, Callander, Clackmannan, Crianlarich, Denny, Dollar, Doune, Dunblane, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Killin, Larbert, Lochearnhead, Menstrie, Stirling, Tillicoultry



 G
 Alexandria, Arrochar, Clydebank, Dumbarton, Glasgow, Helensburgh



 HS
 Castlebay, Harris, Isle Of Benbecula, Isle Of Lewis, Isle Of Scalpay, Leverburgh, Lochboisdale, Lochmaddy, Stornoway



 IV
 Achnasheen, Alness, Ardgay, Avoch, Beauly, Cromarty, Dingwall, Dornoch, Elgin, Fochabers, Forres, Fortrose, Gairloch, Garve, Invergordon, Inverness, Isle Of Skye, Kyle, Lairg, Lossiemouth, Muir Of Ord, Munlochy, Nairn, Plockton, Portree, Rogart, Strathcarron, Strathpeffer, Strome Ferry, Tain, Ullapool



 KA
 Ardrossan, Ayr, Beith, Brodick, Cumnock, Dalry, Darvel, Galston, Girvan, Irvine, Kilbirnie, Kilmarnock, Kilwinning, Largs, Mauchline, Maybole, Millport, Newmilns, Prestwick, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Troon, West Kilbride



 KW
 Berriedale, Brora, Dunbeath, Forsinard, Golspie, Halkirk, Helmsdale, Kinbrace, Kirkwall, Latheron, Lybster, Orkney, Stromness, Thurso, Wick



 KY
 Anstruther, Burntisland, Cowdenbeath, Cupar, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Inverkeithing, Kelty, Kinross, Kirkcaldy, Leven, Lochgelly, St Andrews



 ML
 Airdrie, Bellshill, Biggar, Carluke, Coatbridge, Hamilton, Lanark, Larkhall, Motherwell, Shotts, Strathaven, Wishaw



 PA
 Appin, Ballygrant, Bishopton, Bowmore, Bridge Of Orchy, Bridge Of Weir, Bridgend, Bruichladdich, Cairndow, Campbeltown, Colintraive, Craighouse, Dalmally, Dunoon, Erskine, Gourock, Greenock, Inveraray, Isle Of Coll, Isle Of Colonsay, Isle Of Gigha, Isle Of Iona, Isle Of Mull, Johnstone, Kilmacolm, Lochgilphead, Lochwinnoch, Oban, Paisley, Port Askaig, Port Charlotte, Port Ellen, Port Glasgow, Portnahaven, Renfrew, Rothesay, Scarinish, Skelmorlie, Tarbert, Taynuilt, Tighnabruaich, Wemyss Bay



 PH
 Aberfeldy, Acharacle, Arisaig, Auchterarder, Aviemore, Ballachulish, Blairgowrie, Boat Of Garten, Carrbridge, Corrour, Crieff, Dalwhinnie, Dunkeld, Fort Augustus, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Grantown-On-Spey, Invergarry, Isle Of Canna, Isle Of Eigg, Isle Of Rum, Kingussie, Kinlochleven, Lochailort, Mallaig, Nethy Bridge, Newtonmore, Perth, Pitlochry, Roy Bridge, Spean Bridge



 TD
 Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Cockburnspath, Coldstream, Cornhill-On-Tweed, Duns, Earlston, Eyemouth, Galashiels, Gordon, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, Lauder, Melrose, Mindrum, Newcastleton, Selkirk



 ZE
 Lerwick, Shetland

Legal Aid

Tavish Scott (Shetland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-5287 by Kenny MacAskill on 30 October 2007, when it expects to announce the result of ministers’ consideration of the review of civil legal aid fees being undertaken by the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

Kenny MacAskill: A draft report has been received and recommendations for ministers are currently being prepared. I expect to receive these before the end of November and I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly thereafter.

Livestock

Nanette Milne (North East Scotland) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will take to support the pig industry.

Richard Lochhead: We are working with representatives of the pig sector to identify appropriate support measures. An options paper is being developed and we expect to take decisions soon.

Maternity Services

Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many neonatal beds there are in each NHS board.

Shona Robison: The provisional information available is shown in table 1.

  Table 1: Average Available Staffed Cots in Neonatal Units; by Health Board Area #: Year Ending 31 March 2007P

  

 Ayrshire and Arran
 24


 Borders
 8


 Dumfries and Galloway
 12


 Fife
 18


 Forth Valley
 22


 Grampian
 38


 Greater Glasgow and Clyde
 102


 Highland
 13


 Lanarkshire
 22


 Lothian
 58


 Tayside
 18



  Source: ISD(S)1, Scottish Health Service Costs.

  PProvisional.

  Note: # Eleven NHS boards are shown, the remaining three, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles, do not have neonatal units.

Maternity Services

Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the occupancy rates of neonatal beds have been in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: The information available is shown in table 1.

  Table 1: Average Occupancy in Neonatal Units; by Health Board Area #: Years Ending 31 March 2005 to 2007

  

 
 2005
 2006
 2007P


 Scotland
 66.6
 70.5
 67.5


 Ayrshire and Arran
 63.1
 70.9
 75.9


 Borders
 32.4
 26.9
 29.4


 Dumfries and Galloway
 61.1
 61
 62.7


 Fife
 49.6
 56
 50.9


 Forth Valley
 22.9
 47.3
 53.6


 Grampian
 63.4
 67.1
 64.4


 Greater Glasgow and Clyde
 71.1
 70.6
 63.9


 Highland
 80.1
 79.6
 80.2


 Lanarkshire
 83.8
 91.4
 88.9


 Lothian
 69.8
 73.7
 66.1


 Tayside
 73.6
 76.1
 85.1



  Source: ISD(S)1, Scottish Health Service Costs.

  PProvisional.

  Notes:

  #Eleven NHS boards are shown, the remaining three, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles do not have neonatal beds.

Maternity Services

Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many out-of-area admissions to neonatal beds have been made in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: This information is not held centrally, however, we are aware of issues within neonatal services, and are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of this service, through a dedicated neonatal sub-group of the Maternity Services Action Group. The Scottish Government will give full consideration to the findings and recommendations of the report when it is published.

Maternity Services

Brian Adam (Aberdeen North) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive how many neonates were transferred to England as a result of lack of beds, staffing or facilities in Scotland in each of the last three years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: No neonates were transferred to England as a result of lack of beds, staffing or facilities in Scotland in each of the last three years.

Maternity Services

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what the average occupancy rate has been for each specialist neonatal unit in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: The information available is shown in table 1.

  Table 1: Average Occupancy in Neonatal Units: By Health Board Area #: Years Ending 31 March 2003 to 2007P

  


 2003
 2004
 2005
 2006
 2007P


 Scotland
 62.8
 64.1
 66.6
 70.5
 67.5


 Ayrshire and Arran
 54.3
 52.9
 63.1
 70.9
 75.9


 Borders
 29.1
 28.4
 32.4
 26.9
 29.4


 Dumfries and Galloway
 44.7
 54.0
 61.1
 61
 62.7


 Fife
 52.5
 45.6
 49.6
 56
 50.9


 Forth Valley
 35.8
 25.2
 22.9
 47.3
 53.6


 Grampian
 71.3
 68.6
 63.4
 67.1
 64.4


 Greater Glasgow and Clyde
 62.7
 73.7
 71.1
 70.6
 63.9


 Highland
 73.0
 75.1
 80.1
 79.6
 80.2


 Lanarkshire
 70.7
 93.0
 83.8
 91.4
 88.9


 Lothian
 66.3
 66.6
 69.8
 73.7
 66.1


 Tayside
 65.9
 52.7
 73.6
 76.1
 85.1



  PProvisional.

  Source: ISD(S)1, Scottish Health Service Costs.

  Note: #Eleven NHS boards are shown, the remaining three, Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles do not have neonatal units.

Maternity Services

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what percentage of specialist neonatal units were closed to new admissions in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions, and for how long, neonatal units were closed to new admissions in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: This information is not held centrally, however, we are aware of issues within neonatal services, and are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of this service, through a dedicated neonatal sub group of the Maternity Services Action Group. The Scottish Government will give full consideration to the findings and recommendations of the report when it is published.

Maternity Services

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many babies required neonatal care in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: The latest available information is shown on table 1.

  Table 1: Babies Cared for within Intensive and Special Care Units1,2.

  

 NHS Board of Treatment3
 20024
 20034,5
 20045
 2005
 2006


 Total
 6,150
 5,809
 5,818
 5,853
 5,875


 Argyll and Clyde
 568
 487
 542
 618
 676


 Ayrshire and Arran
 336
 340
 375
 363
 360


 Borders
 114
 96
 94
 95
 110


 Dumfries and Galloway
 197
 179
 156
 196
 215


 Fife
 296
 310
 326
 340
 347


 Forth Valley
 393
 328
 170
 232
 258


 Grampian
 895
 780
 828
 771
 609


 Greater Glasgow
 1,150
 894
 874
 773
 973


 Highland
 254
 297
 257
 260
 277


 Lanarkshire
 802
 863
 864
 832
 876


 Lothian
 799
 825
 875
 856
 677


 Tayside
 346
 407
 455
 511
 493


 Orkney6
 -
 *
 *
 *
 *


 Shetland66
 -
 *
 *
 *
 *


 Western Isles6
 -
 *
 *
 *
 *



  Source: SMR11 and SBR for 2002/2003. SBR for 2004-06.

  Notes:

  1. Includes special care baby units, high dependency units and intensive care units. There is known to be variation in admission criteria and recording practice.

  2. It is not possible to distinguish between intensive and special care units.

  3. The NHS board in this table refers to where the babies first "high level" of care was recorded.

  4. There may be some inaccuracy in the results as two data sets were used.

  5. These numbers may differ slightly from previous answer to question S2W-22927 due to duplicate records being deleted from the analysis file.

  6. *Values less than five have not been included for data protection issues.

Maternity Services

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether there has been a rise in the number of babies requiring neonatal care, and, if so, whether it will commission research into the reasons for the rise.

Shona Robison: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-5946 on 15 November 2007. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website; the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.search .

  It can be seen that against the rising number of live births there has not been a significant rise in the number of babies requiring neonatal care.

Mental Health

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it takes to monitor the mental health of deaf people.

Shona Robison: We understand the need to monitor and respond to the mental health needs of deaf people and the communication and access difficulties that can arise in accessing appropriate care and support.

  We are working with all partners, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the voluntary sector, to improve staff awareness and service responses through training, research, increased numbers of BSL interpreters. We are also supporting and encouraging individual initiatives, for example, the development of a project in Lothian to provide counselling services to those with sensory loss.

Ministerial Meetings

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what contacts there have been between Scottish ministers and ambassadors and high commissioners at the Court of St James since May 2007.

Linda Fabiani: The following table lists the meetings and events which Scottish ministers have undertaken with Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the Court of St James since May 2007.

  

 Date of Meeting
 Ambassador/ High Commissioner
 Scottish Minister
 Meeting


 24 May
 His Excellency, Mr. Robert Holmes Tuttle, the American Ambassador
 First Minister
 Courtesy call on the Scottish Government


 5 June
 His Excellency Mr. James R. Wright, the Canadian High Commissioner 
 First Minister
 Courtesy telephone call on the Scottish Government


 28 August
 His Excellency Mr Data’ Abd Aziz Mohamed, Malaysian High Commissioner
 Ms Linda Fabiani
 Opening of the Visit Malaysia event.


 30 August 
 His Excellency Mr Indulis Berzins, the Lativan Ambassador 
 Ms Linda Fabiani
 Reception to mark the opening of the Lativan Consulate in Edinburgh


 13 September
 His Excellency Dr Francis Moto, the Malawian High Commissioner.
 Ms Linda Fabiani
 Courtesy call on the Scottish Government.


 18 September
 His Excellency Mr Josip Paro, the Croatian Ambassador
 Ms Linda Fabiani
 Reception to mark the opening of the Croatian Consulate in Scotland.


 18 September
 His Excellency Mr Josip Paro, the Croatian Ambassador
 First Minister
 Dinner to mark the visit by President Stjepan Mesic of Croatia


 20 September
 His Excellency Mr Claver Gatete, the Rwandan Ambassador
 Ms Linda Fabiani
 Courtesy call on the Scottish Government.


 22 September
 His Excellency The Right Honourable Jonathan Hunt, ONZ the New Zealand High Commissioner
 Mr Stewart Maxwell
 Reception to celebrate Scotland – New Zealand relations on the eve of Rugby World Cup match


 22 October
 His Excellency Mr Vygaudas Usackas, the Lithuanian Ambassador
 Ms Linda Fabiani
 Discussion on possible cultural links.


 15 November
 His Excellency Mr Jaako Laajava, the Finnish Ambassador
 Mr Bruce Crawford
 Courtesy call on the Scottish Government


 15 November
 His Excellency, Mr Don Carlos Miranda, the Spanish Ambassador
 Mr Bruce Crawford
 Courtesy call on the Scottish Government

Ministerial Visits

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the overseas official visits made by each minister since May 2007, showing the cost of each visit.

Linda Fabiani: The Scottish Government publishes annually information on all overseas visits undertaken by ministers, including the countries visited, the purpose of each visit and the cost. We will publish information on all ministerial visits for this financial year in June 2008.

Ministerial Visits

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the meetings held between Scottish and UK ministers since May 2007, showing the dates and topics discussed in each case.

Linda Fabiani: The detailed information requested is currently being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available.

Multiple Sclerosis

Christine Grahame (South of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will increase funding to the Chief Scientist for medical research purposes, in light of media reports of a lack of research, among other things, into inter alia the causes of multiple sclerosis.

Shona Robison: Following yesterday’s spending review announcement, I am pleased to report that the funding provided to the Chief Scientist Office will be increased by £3.3 million, £5.2 million and £8.7 million during the next three years.

NHS Hospitals

Bill Kidd (Glasgow) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the planned provision of accident and emergency units in Glasgow will be reviewed in light of the recent forecast of a higher than expected rise in the Scottish population.

Nicola Sturgeon: I have made it clear that there will not be a general review of service changes that have already been made in the NHS. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s proposals for the modernisation of hospital services in Glasgow, which will also see the reconfiguration of accident and emergency services, are now well underway.

  The board’s strategy is intended to provide an appropriate network of emergency services in modern fit-for-purpose facilities. The board still has some way to go until its proposals are fully implemented and I expect it to continue to keep factors affecting demand for health care services, such as population change, under review as it takes this work forward.

Police

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many police officers will be added to the 1,141 officers working in Tayside Police force as at March 2007 as a result of Tayside Police receiving its proportionate share of "the equivalent of 1,000 additional police officers", as outlined in Principles and Priorities: The Government’s Programme for Scotland.

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 43 police officers recruited by Tayside Police from April to September 2007 are to be included in Tayside Police’s proportionate share of "the equivalent of 1,000 additional police officers", as outlined in Principles and Priorities: The Government’s Programme for Scotland .

Kenny MacAskill: Recruitment plans are the responsibility of Chief Constables, but as a result of the Government’s announcement on 12 November, Tayside Police will be able to recruit an additional 11 police officers this financial year, over and above the recruitment plans developed under the previous administration.

  Further additional officers will be recruited by Tayside police in subsequent years as a result of the Government’s commitment to increase policing capacity.

Prescription Charges

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will abolish prescription charges for people suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive which diseases will be defined as chronic conditions for the purpose of allowing patients access to free prescriptions.

Jim Hume (South of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria it will use to determine whether a condition is chronic for the purpose of determining which patients are eligible for free prescriptions.

Shona Robison: Detailed arrangements for implementing the Scottish Government’s policy to abolish prescription charges are under consideration. A statement will be made to Parliament in the near future.

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the community projects in the Grampian area that are receiving funding as a result of money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Fergus Ewing: No community projects within Grampian area have received funding through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The allocation of funds for 2007-08 has yet to be determined. An announcement will be made following the finalisation of new arrangements.

Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the community projects in the Grampian area that will benefit in 2007-08 from money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Fergus Ewing: The allocation of funds for 2007-08 has yet to be determined. An announcement will be made following the finalisation of new arrangements.

Recycling

Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what measures it will introduce to improve recycling in the west of Scotland.

Richard Lochhead: It is for local authorities to decide how best to improve recycling services in their area. We will help local authorities by supporting work in a variety of areas including developing markets for recycled materials; public awareness of recycling facilities; community recycling; waste prevention and advice on the best way of improving recycling services.

Schools

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools it plans to build from 2007 to 2011.

Maureen Watt: The specifics of investment in school buildings are matters for local authorities. We have agreed investment plans to deliver around 125 schools by 2011 and a number of major school refurbishments.

  Beyond that we will be considering, with authorities, what else might feasibly be funded through the various mechanisms available, planned and delivered over the same timescale.

Schools

Rhona Brankin (Midlothian) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will match brick for brick the 2007 Labour manifesto commitment to build 250 new schools from 2007 to 2011.

Maureen Watt: Our manifesto commitment was to match the previous Scottish Executive’s planned school building programme brick for brick, by supporting the investment plans which were in place prior to the election. The Scottish Government is held to account over its own manifesto not other political parties manifestos. The Labour manifesto offered no detail as to costings, overall feasibility and plans for implementation.

Schools

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many schools in each local authority area have been designated as community schools with extended access and opening hours.

Maureen Watt: There is no longer any formal government designation of the term "community school". Both government and local authorities recognise the importance of delivering better services to the wider community through schools. In each local context it is for the authority to assess and consider how community demand for access to school facilities can best be met.

Terrorism Act 2000

John Wilson (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the implications are of the police operation at Central Station, Glasgow, on 31 October 2007 under section 44(2) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Kenny MacAskill: The Scottish Government has no functions in relation to British Transport Police and we were not informed about this operation.

Water Charges

Roseanna Cunningham (Perth) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what direction is being given to Scottish Water regarding water rates and the application of rateable values.

Stewart Stevenson: The introduction of measured charges for non-domestic water customers rather than charges related to rateable values is being phased in over four years. To allow this, a programme of meter installation is underway for all currently un-metered non-household premises where it is practicable to do so. The majority of meters should be installed by April 2008, with the programme finally complete by April 2009.